Tan Cheng Bock, Tan Kin Lian, Tony Tan and Tan Jee Say stepped forward on 17 August 2011 to contest in the presidential election after they received their Certificates of Eligibility on 11 August.
The Battle of the Tans: Who is the most independent?
Following the watershed general election in May, which saw an all-time low in support for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), the presidential election could very well become yet another referendum on the satisfaction of citizens with the establishment.
Although the President of Singapore is meant to be non-partisan, both Tony Tan and Tan Cheng Bock were members of the PAP. The former had even been Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, and until recently headed Singapore Press Holdings.
Tan Jee Say served in the civil service for 11 years, including five years as Principal Private Secretary to then-Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. He also stood for election earlier in May as a member of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).
Tan Kin Lian was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTUC Income, one of Singapore’s biggest life and general insurance companies.
With the role of the president often seen as a mouthpiece or rubber stamp of the PAP-dominated government, one of the greatest concerns of Singaporeans is the independence of the candidate. Therefore, all four candidates have been careful to portray themselves as strong-willed, principled individuals, unlikely to bow down to the pressure of the PAP.
The role of the President
The upcoming presidential election has also thrown up questions on the role of the president.
In April 2011, the Court of Appeal dismissed death row inmate Yong Vui Kong’s appeal for judicial review on the president’s powers with regards to clemency. It was ruled that the President of the Republic of Singapore does not have the powers to grant clemency to death row inmates at his own discretion, but is required to act on the advice of the cabinet.
In the run-up to the election, there have also been further clarifications made by the government, most notably by Law Minister Mr. K Shanmugam. It was made clear that the president has no direct influence over policy matters, and only has blocking powers. Mr. Shanmugam also said that when speaking publicly, the president must also act according to the advice of the cabinet.
Mr. Shanmugam was also quoted as saying: “Whether the president actually wields influence obviously depends on who the president is. If he is someone who commands little or no respect of the prime minister, then of course influence will be limited.”
This comment drew plenty of criticism from Singaporeans, especially online, as people felt that it implied that the Prime Minister of Singapore could choose whether or not to respect the head of state elected by citizens of Singapore.
Who will win?
With a four-cornered fight it is difficult to predict what the outcome will be. Although Singaporeans are eager to have another chance to vote, for many the choice does not seem as clear-cut as the general election (where there was a multi-cornered fight in only one constituency).
However, no matter what the result, it appears that Singaporeans are now awake, aware, and demanding to be allowed more participation in their country's affairs.
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